You might infer that I offered some small assistance in getting this website online - a work in progress. I don't stand to benefit from any business done here, except to participate in the same coop opportunities as all of you. Hoping to see it expand and grow

Yearly CNY price increase is standard, not a "tactic." If you want to pay more later, be my guest. And since you are worried about the integrity of this post, I'll split my financial winnings with you! Half of $0, let me know your PayPal.

However, after receiving news that the prices of the puerh cakes in question will be raised after Chinese New Year (10/02/13)

[X] Scarcity

You would have to shell out more than 700USD just to buy the above list at cost

[X] Great value proposition

Option to purchase these teas at the end of the tasting round (28/02/13). NO PROMISES on this one though.

[X] More scarcity

Standard advertising tactics with very little information on the cakes.

I'm surprised something like this is allowed outside the vendors forum.

When I bought the 03 Zipin (Tze pin) from Wisteria a few months ago, one cake was something like $140 USD (4200 NTD), and there are no discounts. This is for 357g, so one 33 gram sample is roughly $13-14. The other teas are priced similarly (I bought the Hongyin at a similar price), so tea cost alone is something like $70-80. I don't think he's making much of any money at that price.